PARAMUS, N.J. — A Newark man has been arrested and charged with murder in the death of a 74-year-old Paramus woman who was found strangled and stabbed in her home earlier this week, authorities said.
Kishan S. Sheth, 21, was taken into custody on Tuesday by detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Paramus Police Department with assistance from the Bergen County Regional SWAT Team. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, felony murder, and home invasion resulting in serious bodily injury.
The investigation began on Monday, Nov. 18, when the Paramus Police Department conducted a welfare check at a residence on East Ridgewood Avenue. Officers discovered the victim, Rita Acharya, deceased on her couch.
According to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, investigators determined that Sheth, an acquaintance of Acharya, entered her home, strangled and stabbed her, and then stole her vehicle and debit card. Authorities allege that Sheth attempted to conceal his crimes before fleeing the area.
Sheth was arrested in Newark without incident and remains in custody as prosecutors prepare their case.
The charges include first-degree murder, felony murder, home invasion, and additional offenses related to the theft of Acharya’s belongings.
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